Fault Clearing Method for Permanent Magnet Machines

ABSTRACT

A permanent magnet machine (PMM) has a kinetic portion electrically coupled to a power conversion portion. Motive power is provided to the kinetic portion by a torque applied to a motive shaft coupled to a prime mover, such as an aircraft engine or an automobile engine. Generated power is transmitted through a plurality of electrically isolated output feeder cables. When a fault is detected, a switch is opened stopping the flow of current through the feeder cable associated with the faulty circuit. The fault condition is then rendered safe while the prime mover may continue normal operation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/977,281 that was filed on Dec. 23, 2010, to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/380,326 that was filed on Feb. 26, 2009 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,880,448) and to Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/069,512 that was filed on Mar. 14, 2008; all titled “Fault ClearingMethod for Permanent Magnet Machines”. The disclosures of U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 12/977,281 and 12/380,326 and of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/069,512 are incorporated by reference intheir entireties herein. This patent application is related to commonlyowned U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,064,526, 7,242,167 and 7,365,521 all titled“Fault Tolerant Architecture for Permanent Magnet Starter GeneratorSystem.” The disclosures of U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,064,526, 7,242,167 and7,365,521 are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein.

U.S. GOVERNMENT RIGHTS

N.A.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a fault clearing control circuit for apermanent magnet machine. More particularly, fault sensors are providedthat identify and localize a fault. Dependent on type and location offault, proper remedial action is taken.

2. Description of the Related Art

A permanent magnet machine (PMM) has a number of advantages over othertypes of motors and electrical power generation and/or engine startingsystems commonly used on aircraft. The PMM is typically smaller, lighterand more efficient than brushed starter generators and other typicalbrushless machines used in aircraft applications. The PMM also typicallyrequires less maintenance and exhibits much higher reliability thanother commonly used aircraft machines such as starter/generator machinesusing brushes. The brushed starter/generator also typically exhibitssignificant reductions in generator capability when required to operateover wide speed ranges as is often required in aircraft applications(e.g., typically 50% to 100% speed range operation is required in smallaircraft generator applications). Whereas the PMM configured for use asa permanent magnet alternator (PMA), permanent magnet generator (PMG),and/or permanent magnet starter/generator (PMSG) is typically capable ofoperating over wide speed ranges with less weight and/or performancepenalty. In summary, a PMM, PMA, PMG or PMSG subsystem typically offerssignificant improvements in reliability, weight, size, performance, andmaintenance requirements relative to other commonly used motors,alternators, generators or starter/generators.

A disadvantage of the PMM is the output voltage cannot be controlled bymeans of adjusting a field excitation (which is a common controltechnique used with brushed machines), and therefore the output cannotbe electronically disabled in the event of a fault. The inability todisable output power during fault mode operation is of particularconcern in high reliability applications such as aircraft power systems.

A voltage breakdown in the feeder cable to engine or aircraft structurecan result in a hazardous or unsafe condition for typical aircraftgeneration and distribution systems. However, that type of fault can berelatively easily mitigated by use of contactors, thermal switches orfuses in series with the feeder cable. Another method to mitigate thistype of fault is to design the PMA, PMG or PMSG with high seriesreactance as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,064,526 by Patterson and U.S.Pat. No. 7,365,521 by Patterson.

A fault within the PMA, PMG or PMSG cable, load or internal winding mayresult in a thermal runaway condition that can cause a fire within themachine if that fault is not mitigated in some manner. These faultscannot always be mitigated by use of a series fuse, switch or contactor.Nor is a turn-to-turn fault within a winding of the stator readilymitigated by the method disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,365,521.Furthermore, the extreme response of shutting down the prime mover isnot an acceptable alternative for fault mitigation in many aircraftapplications.

There remains a need for a fault clearing method for permanent magnetmachines that does not have the limitations of the prior art methods.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

Disclosed is a method for clearing a fault within a permanent magnetmachine when operated in conjunction with a power control unit (PCU).The PMM and PCU can be configured for operation as a motor, alternator,generator, starter/generator or other type of subsystem requiring faulttolerant operation. The fault clearing method utilizes fault monitoringfunctions and fault clearing functions within the PMM and PCU. In oneembodiment, the permanent magnet machine includes a plurality ofelectrically isolated output feeder cables. When a fault is detected, aswitch is opened stopping the flow of current through the feeder cableassociated with the faulty circuit. This method of fault clearing isused to prevent a hazardous condition such as thermal runaway and/or afire which results due to faults internal and/or external to the PMM.This fault clearing method does not require shut down of the prime moverand is compatible with and may be used as an integral element of a faulttolerant power system architecture, such as described in U.S. Pat. No.7,064,526.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the components of a permanent magnet machine in blockform.

FIG. 2 illustrates a permanent magnet motor in cross sectionalrepresentation.

FIG. 3 illustrates a circuit diagram for the permanent magnet machineincluding fault clearing embodiments as described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a motive shaft component of thepermanent magnet machine during normal operation.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of the motive shaft component of thepermanent magnet machine during fault clearing.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates the components of a permanent magnet machine 10 thatincludes a kinetic portion 12 and a power conversion portion 14. Thekinetic portion 12 is effective to transform motive energy to electricenergy and electric energy to motive energy. Exemplary kinetic portionsinclude PMAs, PMGs and PMSGs. The power conversion portion is effectiveto transform electric energy received from the kinetic portion to a formuseful to external devices, such as aircraft lighting, and to transformelectric energy received from an external device, such as a battery, toa form useful for the kinetic portion 12.

A prime mover 16 is coupled to the PMM 10 by a motive shaft 18.Exemplary prime movers are an aircraft engine and an automobile engine.During start up, the motive shaft is powered by the PMM and providesstart-up power to the prime mover 16. During normal operation, themotive shaft 18 is powered by the prime mover 16 enabling the PMM togenerate power for use by an external device.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the kinetic portion 12 as anexemplary PMSG. The motive shaft 18 has a core 20 and a plurality ofmagnetic pole pieces 22 of alternating polarity. Surrounding the motiveshaft 18 and separated from it by an air gap 24 are a plurality of woundwire coils 26. When operated as a starter, a current is applied to thewire coils 26 from an external power source, such as a battery. Theresultant magnet field causes the motive shaft 18 to rotate, providingkinetic energy to the prime mover. When operated as a generator,rotation of the motive shaft 18 by the prime mover creates a magneticfield that induces a current in the wire coils 26. This current is thenconducted to the power conversion unit.

Six isolated wire coils 26 are effective to generate three phases ofalternating current. A preferred embodiment, as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,064,526 delivers each phase to a separate converter in the powerconversion unit 14 by a separate pair of conductors, 28, 30, 32.Dependent on processing in the power conversion unit or the source ofexternal power, power to/from the power conversion unit may be directcurrent 34 or alternating current 36.

A simplified block diagram of a typical kinetic portion 12 and powerconversion portion 14 electrical power generation subsystem isillustrated in FIG. 3. The fault tolerant architecture provides enhancedperformance features as described herein. Each of the three windings 26a, 26 b, 26 c is electrically coupled to an associated converter module38 a, 38 b, 38 c. With each coupled pair of a winding and convertermodule being electrically and physically isolated from the other coupledpairs. During normal operation, power generated in the kinetic portion12 flows through phase 1 conductor 28, phase 2 conductor 30 and phase 3conductor 32. When switch 40 is closed, the current flows throughforward rectifier 42 to input filter 44 where a DC voltage isestablished to operate the converter 46. The DC voltage is used toprovide power to the input filter 44 and buck-boost converter 46 whereit is converted to the desired output voltage form. Through these steps,power is converted to the desired output form and each phase remainselectrically and physically isolated. The three phases are thenelectrically and physically combined in output filter 48 to exit via DCpower 34 feeder cable. For typical aircraft applications, the desired DCoutput voltage is 28 volt DC, 48 volt DC and/or 270 volt DC.

The power conversion portion 14 provides regulated DC output power 34and is capable of operation even in the presence of one or more faults.The power conversion portion includes a fault monitor function 50 thatcontrols the rectifier switch 40 and a shorting circuit function 52. Ifa fault is detected in a feeder cable or in the power conversion unit14, the rectifier switch 40 associated with that winding 26 is opened,stopping the flow of current through the faulty circuit. The generatorsystem continues to provide power to the load (at a reduced capacity).

If a fault is detected within the kinetic portion 12 that has potentialto result in a hazardous condition such as a fire, the fault monitor 50initiates a short within the shorting circuit 52 applying a current toone of the windings 26 a, 26 b, 26 c. This produces a significantcounter torque and the motive shaft associated with the faulty circuitis broken at a shear section. Sufficient counter torque is developed inthis case utilizing just one of the windings 26 and one shortingcircuit. The kinetic portion 12 output power is used to provide theenergy required to develop the torque to break the shear neck shaft.

The fault clearing method includes a motive shaft with a shear section.Temperature sensors 54 and fault detecting sensors may be positionedwithin the kinetic portion 12, the output 34 feeder cables and/or thepower conversion portion 14. Some or all of the fault monitoringfunctions may be incorporated into the kinetic portion and some or allmay be incorporated into the power conversion portion.

A fault condition that requires mitigation (such as a runawayover-temperature condition that may cause a fire) is detected by thefault monitor and a low impedance “short” is applied to the windings 26.The “short” applied to the windings produces a counter torque sufficientto cause the motive shaft to break at the shear section. The “short” maybe applied internal to the kinetic portion or externally (such asinternal to the power conversion portion) and may be implemented withpower semiconductors and associated control circuits or byelectromechanical devices and associated control circuits. The “short”produces sufficient counter torque to break the shear section of themotive shaft at or above a defined speed threshold (typically at speedsof approximately 10% of the normal operating speed or greater in manyPMM applications)

FIG. 4 illustrates a motive shaft 18 during routine operation. Themotive shaft 18 includes a shear section 56, such as a notch having acrack propagating apex 58. Proper selection of notch dimensions and apexangle enable tailoring the facture yield strength of the motive shaft.During normal operation, the prime mover (not shown) applies a torque 60rotating the motive shaft 18. With reference to FIG. 5, if a faultcondition, identified as a potential fire hazard is detected, theshorting circuit causes a counter torque 62 to be applied to the motiveshaft 18. The combination of torque 60 and counter torque 62 issufficient to cause a crack 64 to propagate causing the motive shaft tobreak. As a result, electric power is no longer produced removing thehazard condition, but the prime mover continues to operate normally.

Advantages of this method of fault clearing include:

PMM is significantly lighter and smaller than equivalent performancehigh reactance or fault tolerant configuration machine;

PMM is significantly more efficient and less costly to produce than theequivalent performance high reactance or fault tolerant configurationmachine;

faults within the PMM are very effectively mitigated with this method(as well as external faults); and

shut down of the prime mover is not required with this fault clearingmethod.

This fault clearing method is compatible with fault tolerant systemarchitectures such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,064,526, includinguse of multiple isolated windings, use of redundancy in the PMA, PMG,PMSG and/or PCU functions.

PCU may be designed so that a failure in one power converter will notpropagate to or degrade the generator mode performance of other powerconverters.

PMA, PMG, PMSG and PCU may be designed such that generator modeoperation is achieved even in the event of a failure of up to “n−1”phases of an “n” phase PMA, PMG, PMSG and/or simultaneous failure of upto “n−1” phases of a PCU with “n” converter modules.

PMA, PMG, PMSG and PCU may be designed such that each phase iselectrically and physically isolated.

PMA, PMG, PMSG and/or PCU may be designed to continuously monitor forand detect a ground fault condition within any phase of the PMA, PMG,PMSG and/or PCU; the ground fault detection function is fully testable,and thus a complete end-to-end functionality verification of the groundfault detection circuit can be performed.

PCU may use multiple, parallel solid-state switching devices so thathigh performance and high reliability operation is achieved, as well asfault tolerant operability within each PCU converter.

The PMA, PMG and/or PMSG can be configured as a bearingless machineusing a gearbox integrated design, provided the drive shaft extensionincludes a shear neck design.

The fault clearing and fault tolerant architecture applications include:

aircraft and/or automotive applications requiring engine start operationand generation of DC electrical power;

aircraft and/or automotive applications requiring engine start operationand generation of AC electrical power; and

aircraft and/or automotive applications requiring engine start operationand generation of DC and AC electrical power.

The PMM can be designed for operation as:

integral assembly to engine shaft (i.e., PMM rotor rotates at same speedas main or auxiliary engine shaft; no bearings are required);

shaft mounted, gearbox integrated assembly (i.e., PMM rotor is mounteddirectly to driveshaft on engine accessory gearbox (AGB); no bearingsare required); and

AGB mounted assembly (i.e., PMM rotor is typically mounted to a shaftand incorporates bearings so that the assembly interfaces to engine AGBin similar or identical fashion to conventional brushedstarter/generators).

An optional switch or contactor can be added in series with the PMMstator winding to remove power from the feeder cables and/or PCU input.The use of this switch/contactor is optional with the “fault tolerant”architecture.

PCU can be designed for operation as:

single assembly located adjacent to or remote from PMM;

multiple assemblies located adjacent to or remote from PMM;

PCU/PMM is interconnected via low current feeder cable (i.e., PMMvoltage is greater than average bus voltage); and

PCU/PMM is interconnected via high current feeder cable (i.e., PMMvoltage is equal or less than average bus voltage).

One or more embodiments of the present invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, a different type of converter 46 may be used to convert themachine voltage to the desired output form and this converter may beelectrically isolated or non-isolated from the machine voltage.Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

1. A control circuit for a permanent magnet machine (PMM) having akinetic portion electrically coupled to a power conversion portion, saidcontrol circuit comprising: a switch disposed between said kineticportion and output feeder cables of said power conversion portion; and asensor effective to detect a fault condition in one of said feedercables and in said power conversion portion, said sensor being effectiveto open said switch when a fault condition is detected.
 2. The controlcircuit of claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of said output feedercables and each said output feeder cable is electrically isolated fromother ones of said output feeder cables.
 3. The control circuit of claim2 wherein said switch, when open, effectively stops the flow of currentthrough a feeder cable associated with a faulty circuit.
 4. The controlcircuit of claim 3 wherein said switch, when open, does not affect theflow of current through other feeder cables not associated with saidfaulty circuit.